Complications of Exteriorized Versus In Situ Uterine Repair at Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia

Uterine repair during Cesarean delivery can be done either by exteriorizing the uterus and replacing it into the abdominal cavity after the completion of a double layer closure, or by suturing it in situ. Exteriorization of the uterus has been shown to decrease blood loss during Cesarean delivery when compared to in situ repair. However, at the same time, it is thought to be uncomfortable for the patient with respect to intraoperative nausea, vomiting and pain. Intraoperative nausea and vomiting in patients who receive regional anaesthesia for Cesarean section is a complex multifactorial problem arising from anesthetic and non-anesthetic causes. Additionally, it can influence hemodynamic stability.

The study was a prospective, randomized and single blinded study. It compared the effects of exteriorization of the uterus and in-situ repair during Cesarean delivery with respect to patient's comfort, hemodynamic changes, uterine contractility and blood loss in patients under spinal anesthesia. All low risk patients undergoing elective C-delivery under spinal anesthesia were considered for this study.

Spinal anesthesia was performed in the sitting position with 10-12 mg of 0.75% hyperbaric bupivacaine, mixed with 100 mcg of preservative free morphine and 10 mcg of fentanyl. Any drop in blood pressure was treated with 100 mg of phenylephrine titrated to maintain systolic blood pressure within 10% of the baseline values throughout the procedure. Oxytocin was used judiciously, in aliquots of 0.5 IU. Obstetricians were asked to allow assisted spontaneous delivery of placenta rather than manual extraction. During surgery, patient's complaints of nausea, vomiting, pain or any discomfort were recorded.